Good morning and Happy October! It is a COLD and rainy morning in central New York - barely 40 degrees when I woke, but it probably dipped into the 30's overnight. We very nearly turned on the heat last evening, but opted for a fire instead. The furnace is a definite today!
On the reading front, I finished The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne last week. After a rough start, it worked out well as a combination read/listen. Several readers will be posting thoughts on the 14th. There is still time to join us!
I had hoped to finish The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison last night, but got sidetracked by the Yankees win over the Tigers. Morrison's writing it truly beautiful and, with just 30 pages to go, I should be able to fit it in between today's activities.
UP NEXT:
97 Orchard: An Edible History of Five Immigrant Families in One New York Tenement by Jane Ziegelman
I saw this reviewed on Rachel's blog last year and thought it sounded fascinating. Members of my book club agreed and we we will discuss it in early November.
This book won the 2011 Audie Award for Multi-Voice Performance, a category I was certain would go to Room. The author generously provided a copy, and a long drive coming up on Wednesday will be the perfect opportunity to get started.
Apple-picking is on our agenda today. The hourly forecast suggests a rain-free window early this afternoon. Since today is the last day to pick Cortlands (my preferred apple for baking), we'll bundle up and hope for the best. Later there will be plenty of baseball and football on TV, a family dinner, and, of course, some reading. What are your plans today?
Apple picking sounds great. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteIt is SO hot here in England - approaching 30 degrees!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you will bake with those apple! What a lovely activity for the fall with your family. I plan to be extremely lazy and watch some football, catch up on blogs and read Me Again by Keith Cronin, which so far, is pretty entertaining. I may need to pick up The House of the Seven Gables as well - I was able to visit the house a couple of years ago, but since it was closing time, we couldn't go in. :( Hopefully I can get back to see it soon, though!
ReplyDeleteI saw 97 Orchard Street at the library and read a few pages. It was calling to me but I already had too many other books. I look forward to seeing what you think of it. Have fun apple picking.
ReplyDelete97 Orchard was wonderful! I enjoyed it very much - both the stories of the people who lived in the building and the broader contexts.
ReplyDeleteAs for The House, I'm on Chapter 7and hope to read at least four or five more today so I don't fall too far behind (busy week ahead!) It's a little hard to read a gloomy book on such a gloomy day but it (the book) has its moments of brightness! So glad you're reading with us.
Mostly chaotic running around, if you want the truth. I wish I could lay around and soak in our beautiful 80 degree weather. A cold front for us! I do hope to get caught up on blogs while my daughter is getting her riding lessons.
ReplyDeleteWe had a fire in the fireplace last night while steam lifted off the lake. It was a beautiful evening.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read 97 Orchard Street yet, but it's on my list. I'd love to suggest another read I'm sure you'll enjoy. *The Wind Theif* by Martha Engber. It's a sad, inspiring story about two souls swept from land to land, one in search of a home, the other in search of a war. Kept me up.
Jitters sounds fantastic. I'd never heard of it before and look forward to your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteIt is cold here today too but unlike you I am just starting with the Hawthorne. I hope I like getting reacquainted. And apple time is such a great time of year. Some of my favorite desserts contain apples. Enjoy the great fall temperatures!
ReplyDeleteApple picking sounds like fun! I'd say that you have had a wonderful weekend from start to finish.
ReplyDeleteI wrote and posted a review of a play that we attended last night, and I am also watching some football, baseball, and plan to do some reading--a nice relaxing day. Have a great week! Cheers! Chris
Your weekend sounds good except for that mention of my beloved Tigers losing last night! Apples from the orchard this time of year is my favorite. I have a few recipes that I would like to try and make. My weekend has been relaxing after my son's hectic Homecoming football game and all of the crazy festivities leading up to it. Today was stellar watching the Lions upset Dallas! Now I'm just catching up on blogs and finishing my husband's dirty laundry that he brought me from his week long camping excursion!
ReplyDeleteIf you send me some apples, I'll bake you a crisp!
ReplyDeleteSam - Oh, we did, and now it's time to start baking!
ReplyDeleteVerity - Hope it cools down soon... it is autumn after all!
Natalie - I was trying to convince my husband to take a road trip to see The House of the Seven Gables.. no luck yet, but I'm still working on it. We had a great time apple picking and now I'm watching the Jets game - it's wild!
Margot - Ack, I hate when that happens! I actually checked 97 Orchard out of the library a year ago, never finished and couldn't renew because of holds. Glad to get another chance!
Audrey - I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed 97 Orchard, too. It seems like a book I'll love. Yes, House of the Seven Gables definitely has its moments of brightness...hope you make good progress today.
Sandy - I'm afraid we won't see 80 again until May! Hope you squeeze in a few minutes to read/blog today.
Joylene - Thanks for visiting and for the recommendation! The Wind Thief sounds like a book I'd enjoy... on to the wishlist it goes.
Jackie - JItters wasn't even on my radar until it won the Audie. Sounds like it will be very funny.
Frances - Timing a group read is so difficult for me... the last few I didn't finish in time, so I really wanted to get an early start. Now I need to get my thoughts down before I forget anything.
Chris - With a play, sports on TV, and reading, it sounds like you had a great weekend, too! Will be by to check out your review soon.
Staci - Well, the Tigers made up for it today;-) Next weekend we'll be attending my nephew's homecoming festivities... it's so much fun! I'm hoping to visit some blogs tonight, but may just go to bed early and catch up tomorrow.
C.B. James - Oh, I love apple crisp... even more than pie!
We turned on our heat this morning. I was being stubborn, since October 2 is so early for heat, but when I got out of bed into the frigid apartment, I changed my mind!
ReplyDeleteMmm, I love apple picking. It's been a day of football, knitting, and reading for me while the rain drizzles on outside. Can't complain :)
Hope you got your apple picking in (I bought Cortlands at the local farmstand today; they do make the best pie).
ReplyDeleteGlad you're enjoying The Bluest Eye. Happy October, JoAnn!
I love apple season. I feel like apple crisp and a cup of hot coffee because of this post...LOL
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear what you think of 97 Orchard. 97 Orchard is the location of the Tenement Museum in NYC which is a pretty cool place if you get a chance to go. My Mom and I are planning to next week for one of the tours.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week!
Erin - Your days sounds perfect! Watching baseball now, just had apple crisp for dessert - life is good!
ReplyDeleteDS - My sister swears by Ida Reds, but I do love Cortlands. Glad we braved the cold to pick some. It turned out to be a pretty nice day. Hope you had a good weekend, too.
Diane - Your comment convinced me to make apple crisp tonight... my husband thanks you!
Booksnyc - Hope to start 97 Orchard tomorrow. The Tenement Museum is at the top of my list for our next NYC visit.
We have a chance of rain in tomorrow's forecast and I've got my fingers crossed. I'm ready for fall!
ReplyDeleteApple picking!! I used to that as a kid when we lived in Toronto. Yum!
ReplyDeleteHaven't heard of Jitters but it sounds...quirky. ;) And looking forward to your thoughts on The House... bet you're glad to move past that one.
Saw a tweet this morning about the Tigers playing Texas (or #beatTX which led me to assume). Guess that means last night's game didn't go well?
Trish - Didn't know you once lived in Toronto, thought you'd always been in TX. I'm enjoying Jitters. It's definitely quirky, but the humor may not be for everyone. Yes, the Yankees blew it last night... at least college basketball will be starting soon ;-)
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